Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
Need help navigating the admissions process? We’re here to help! Every other Monday we’ll bring you exclusive interviews with Former Admissions Officers, graduates from top universities, and admissions experts. Each episode will be filled with application tips and first-hand experiences that will help you get into your dream school. Brought to you by InGenius Prep, the world’s largest team of Former Admissions Officers.
142. Graduate School Admissions vs. College Admissions: What Really Matters?
📅 Need help with your graduate school applications? Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0
🔔 Subscribe for more college admissions tips, essay strategy, and Ivy League application advice.
---
Applying to graduate school? Graduate admissions work differently from undergraduate admissions. A strong GPA and prestigious university aren't enough to guarantee success. Matt, an admissions professional with 31 years of experience, explains what graduate admissions committees look for, how to demonstrate program fit, whether work experience matters, and why choosing a graduate program based on rankings alone can be a costly mistake. Learn how to...
141. How to Write College Supplemental Essays (Why Us, Community & More) | Princeton Grad Explains
📅 Need help with your college applications? Schedule a FREE 30-minute 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here and we'll help you improve your chances of acceptance with personalized support: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0
🔔 Subscribe for more college admissions tips, essay strategy, and Ivy League application advice.
---
Struggling with your college supplemental essays? In this episode, Elliott Eglash, a Princeton English graduate who also studied nonfiction writing at Columbia, share practical, step-by-step tips for the “Why Us,” “Why Major,” community, intellectual vitality, and disagreement essays. Elliott has helped students write their college...
140. How to Break Into Investment Banking, Starting in High School
📌 Schedule a FREE 30-minute 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here and we'll help you improve your chances of acceptance with personalized support: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0
Investment banking prep no longer starts in college. I sit down with Max Adams, Head Coach at Wall Street Mastermind, to map the full path from high school to a summer analyst offer: what the job actually is, when recruiting really begins, whether you need a target school, and what a 15 or 16 year old should be doing right now. Max also breaks down why one top bank rec...
139. The 90-Day Strategy That Gets Students Into Their Dream School (Most Families Miss This)
COLLEGE APPLICATION TRAINING CAMP — JULY 2026
👉 Register here: https://hubs.la/Q04jNZ_n0 We're back for our third year, and this one is the biggest yet. Join experts from Harvard, Yale, and MIT as they walk your student through the entire application process LIVE — Common App, essays, application persona, and more. Spots are limited!
---
📩 Want to find out what candidacy building looks like for your child specifically? Reach out to our team: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0
Matt Rosenbaum, Former Admissions Counselor at the University of Chicago and one of InGenius P...
138. Capstone Projects That Top Colleges Want/Don't Want To See
Want personalized guidance? Book a free consultation with our team here: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0
Former Harvard interviewer and InGenius Prep VP of Undergraduate Services Kathryn reveals why hobbies are often neglected in middle and high school, and why that’s a huge missed opportunity. She explains how hobbies can evolve into powerful passion projects or capstone experiences that make students stand out in the college admissions process.
---
Register for our upcoming webinars.
We also offer tons of free resources on our website/blog.
Questions, comments, or topi...
137. Your Teen Loves Sports… Now What? | Sports Biz Bootcamp
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Whether you’re a student interested in sports careers, a parent seeking meaningful enrichment, or curious about sports management, this episode offers practical advice and insider perspective on the competitive sports industry. I sit down with Stephen Master, founder of Sports Biz Bootcamp and adjunct professor at NYU, an accomplished executive with 25+ years in sports media, analytics, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership, to discuss how high school students can gain early exposure to sports business, management, and pr...
136. Stop Relying on Your GPA. It’s Not Enough.
JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR (FEB. 24th): https://hubs.la/Q042YjBT0
Megan Bailey (Duke Graduate & Associate Director of College Counseling) reveals the exact roadmap she uses to guide students to top schools like Princeton, Yale, and Stanford, before junior year even begins.
Schedule a FREE 30-minute 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here and we'll help you improve your chances of acceptance with personalized support: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0
Admissions officers see thousands of "perfect" applicants. Don’t just be smart, be interesting. In this video, we break down how to...
135. Early Admissions Results 2025–2026: Why Colleges Changed the Rules This Year
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
CURRENT INGENIUS PREP 2025-2026 EARLY ADMISSIONS RESULTS: 17 offers from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford & MIT. 33 Ivy League offers. 50 offers from top 10 schools. 96 offers from top 20 schools, and also 135 offers from top 30 schools.
In this episode, we break down 2025-2026 early admissions results, 2026 college admissions trends, deferrals, testing policies, and what colleges are prioritizing this year.
---
Register for our upcoming webinars.
We also offer tons of free resources on our...
134. Can You Get Away With Using AI on College Essays?
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
" Eventually AI will be good enough that it should be able to mimic that voice. I expect essays will become meaningless and either abolished completely or they just won't have a significant impact on the admissions process."
Joel Butterly, CEO of InGenius Prep, discusses the current landscape of college application essay writing. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the writing process, how colleges are adapting their evaluation methods, and what students need...
133. Part 3: How to Answer Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Prompt for 2025-2026
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Shannon and Titania are back—this time tackling the Johns Hopkins supplemental essay. With Hopkins celebrating its 150th anniversary, this year’s prompt sounds poetic, reflective, and… a little overwhelming. But what are admissions officers actually asking for?
PART 1: How to answer Every Harvard Supplemental Essay Prompts! [WATCH IT HERE]
PART 2: How to answer Yale Supplemental Essay + Short Answer Prompts! [WATCH IT HERE]
---
Register for our upcoming webinar...
132. Part 2: How to Answer Every Yale Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2025-2026
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Shannon and Titania return to break down every Harvard supplemental essay prompt, sharing how successful applicants actually approach each question, what admissions officers are really listening for, and the common mistakes that quietly hurt otherwise strong candidates.
PART 1: How to answer Every Harvard Supplemental Essay Prompts! [WATCH IT HERE]
PART 3 COMING UP NEXT: How to answer Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Prompt!
---
Register for our upcoming w...
131. Part 1: How to Answer Every Harvard Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2025-2026
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Shannon and Titania return to break down every Harvard supplemental essay prompt, sharing how successful applicants actually approach each question, what admissions officers are really listening for, and the common mistakes that quietly hurt otherwise strong candidates. PART 2 COMING UP NEXT: How to answer Every Yale Supplemental Essay Prompts!
---
Register for our upcoming webinars.
We also offer tons of free resources on our website/blog.
Questions, comments, or...
130. Colleges Won’t Tell You This: What the Numbers Say About Your Child’s Chances
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Explore real admissions insights on the InGenius Journal: https://hubs.ly/Q03XXVX80
We use real data and trends to help students make clear, confident decisions about navigating college admissions. In this episode, Lindsey Kundel, Editor-in-Chief of the InGenius Journal, shows how we turn years of international and domestic admissions insights into strategies that actually work. Whether your student is aiming for a top 10, 20, or 30 school, the right approach and real data can...
129. What U.S. Admissions Officers Really Look For in International Applicants
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Applying to U.S. universities as an international student? This episode breaks down exactly what you need to know. Former Admissions Officer Kevin (MIT, Brown, UChicago, Cornell) explains:
✅ How international students can highlight their cultural identity authentically
✅ What U.S. admissions officers really look for across different regions
✅ How to present local achievements in a way that resonates with American colleges
✅ Why personal essay storytelling matters more than “trauma dum...
128. Is Homeschooling the Right Path for Aspiring College Athletes?
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
In today’s shorter episode, Zak, a former Senior Assistant Director and Multicultural Recruiting Coordinator at Johns Hopkins University, responds to an email from a parent who’s considering homeschooling and trying to find the best path for a student-athlete with big basketball goals. Zak talks about common challenges homeschoolers face, like proving academic readiness, finding social opportunities, and building strong recommendations and activities outside the home. He also explains why getting an honest evaluation from a pr...
127. How She Made Yale Say ‘Yes!’ — Her Story, Her Strategy, and Her Advice for You
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Yale graduate and InGenius Prep counselor Titania shares how she got into Yale and the exact strategies that helped her stand out in the admissions process. She talks about what made Yale the right fit, how she approached Yale essays and interviews, and the parts of the experience that students rarely hear about.
---
Register for our upcoming webinars.
We also offer tons of free resources on our website/blog.
...126. I Worked at WashU Admissions—Here’s What Really Gets You In
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)—often called a “hidden Ivy” for its exceptional academics, selective admissions, and unique student experience. 🎯 Pro Tip: Don’t get caught up in rankings—academic stats matter, but your personality, story, and fit can make all the difference.
In this episode, Ariel shares:
➜ What makes WashU’s campus and community feel like a true “fit”
➜ The most memorable applicat...
125. The Future of College Admissions: RED FLAGS That Could Ruin Your Application
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
In this episode, we delve into key takeaways from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference. Our experts, Katherine—Director of Undergraduate Services, and Pia—Director of Counselor Management at InGenius Prep, share their firsthand experiences and valuable insights from attending the event. Tune in to get up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in college admissions.
---
Register for our upcoming webinars.
We also offer tons of free...
124. Is Your Student’s Profile Strong Enough for MIT?
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL EVENT: Two Students. One Spot. Who Gets In? Watch Former Admissions Officers battle it out live in the first-ever Admissions Showdown—where you’ll witness the debates, the behind-the-scenes decision-making, and the exact factors that determine who gets in. Curious what actually happens after you hit submit on your college application? Join us on September 23rd and experience it firsthand. Reserve yours now and see what makes them say YES. Here's the link to register.
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.<...
123. Former UChicago Admissions Officer Answers YOUR Biggest Questions
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL EVENT: Two Students. One Spot. Who Gets In? Watch Former Admissions Officers battle it out live in the first-ever Admissions Showdown—where you’ll witness the debates, the behind-the-scenes decision-making, and the exact factors that determine who gets in. Curious what actually happens after you hit submit on your college application? Join us on September 23rd and experience it firsthand. Reserve yours now and see what makes them say YES. Here's the link to register.
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.<...
122. Yale Writing Expert Analyzes Two Successful College Essays
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL EVENT — COLLEGE APPLICATION TRAINING CAMP: Join our exclusive session with Shannon, Yale PhD Candidate and essay expert, as she walks you through how to write a supplemental essay that stands out. She'll cover researching the "why," structuring your response, and conveying personality inside a tight word count. Spots are limited. Here's the link to register.
📅 July 30 | 8PM ET
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
RISING SENIORS: This is your last shot to get everything in place for co...
121. AI Is Changing College Admissions Forever. Here’s How to Beat the System.
FREE RESOURCE: Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
RISING SENIORS: This is your last shot to get everything in place for college apps. Our Application Counseling Program helps you stay on track, craft a standout application, and improve your chances of getting into a Top 10 school, by up to 7x: https://hubs.la/Q03BtBZ50
From ultra-competitive majors like Computer Science to the explosion of AI-generated essays, the game is changing fast, and top colleges are responding. Should you rethink...
120. Beating Duke’s 4.8% Admit rate
Need help with your college applications? Set up a complimentary strategy call with our team of admission experts: CLICK HERE.
Meet Brendan, one of our standout students at InGenius Prep. This fall, he’s off to Duke University to study biology and medicine. But what truly set Brendan apart wasn’t just his impressive accomplishments. It was the self-awareness, consistency, and personal growth he showed throughout the application process. With the guidance of our expert counselors, Brendan built a compelling, authentic narrative that highlighted who he is beyond the resume.
Take a closer look at Bren...
119. 6 Qualities Caltech Admissions Officers Are Searching For
Need help with your college applications? Set up a complimentary strategy call with our team of admission experts: CLICK HERE.
Is your student a fit for Caltech? Here’s what admissions really want. We spoke with someone who’s been inside the Caltech admissions room, and they revealed what really catches the attention of decision-makers at one of the world’s most rigorous STEM universities.
In this episode, you'll get clear, actionable insights on:
What Caltech looks for beyond perfect GPAs and test scores How their academic culture compares to schools like MIT What makes a...118. This Is How You REALLY Get Into Top UK Universities
Need help from the best UK university admissions consultants? Set up a complimentary strategy call: CLICK HERE.
📘 Our free eBook covers everything you need to know about applying to top universities in 7 countries, including timelines, test requirements, and visa info. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to apply abroad, this guide is your go-to.
---
With U.S. immigration and education policies changing, many students and families are looking to the UK for their college journey. But UK admissions are quite different from the U.S.—from the application process to stud...
117. Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Shares How to Write College Essays That Get You In
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
What makes a college essay stand out at top schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale?
In this episode, we sit down with Dave Marcus, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, bestselling author of Acceptance, and former high school teacher, to unpack the art of storytelling in college applications.
Dave shares tips he’s used to help CEOs, students, and professionals tell their stories with clarity and heart. Perfect for students, parents, and counselors guiding the college application process.
---
Register for our upcoming webin...
116. What Top College Music Programs Look For in Applicants
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
From prescreen recordings and performance auditions to professor connections and portfolio prep, the music admissions process is uniquely challenging. In this episode, we sit down with the experts from Inside Music Schools to unpack everything you need to know about getting into top conservatories and university music programs. Whether you're aiming for Juilliard, Berklee, or a strong music program within a larger university, this conversation is packed with advice to help you stand out.
---
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or...
115. Harvard, Visas & the Future: What You Should Do Now
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
We dive into the Trump Administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification and explore what this means for international students around the world. Additionally, we will break down the legal and political background behind this controversial move and provide honest, empathetic insights for students and families caught in the middle. Whether you’re just starting your college journey, in the middle of your degree, or applying now, this episode is designed to keep you informed about your next steps.
---
Re...
114. TikTok, AI & Burnout: What It’s Like Being A Student Right Now
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Today’s students are juggling intense academics, nonstop social media, and AI tools reshaping how they learn. In this episode, we dive into:
The pressure to excel academically, socially, and online How social media and constant notifications are affecting focus and mental health Why skills like time management and emotional regulation are essential for coping with stress The rise of AI in education: Is it helping or making things worse?Plus, we’ll share practical tips on how you, as a parent, can help your teen feel b...
113. Do Competitions Really Help You Get Into Top Colleges? Here’s the Real Answer
Are academic competitions worth the time and effort? We’re covering everything from the top competitions that impress admissions officers, to how to find a healthy balance between specializing and exploring different interests. We’ll also touch on the not-so-talked-about side of competitions—what happens when your student doesn’t win and how they can still come away with tons of value from the experience.
Whether your student is gearing up for their first competition or already a seasoned participant, this episode offers insights to help make the most of the experience—and stay balanced in the process. Listen now ...111. Expert Admissions Tips for Juniors from UC Berkeley & UChicago Experts
Juniors, ready to ace your college applications? Get exclusive insights from Former Admissions Officers at UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago in this must-listen episode!
We’re diving into expert strategies to help you stand out, avoid common mistakes, and balance academics with extracurriculars—plus, we’re answering real questions from students like you. Whether you're just starting or deep in the process, this episode is packed with insider admissions tips to give you the edge.
Hit play now and get ahead in your college journey!
---
To set up a comp...
112. College fit matters more than ranking—here’s why
When it comes to choosing a college, rankings can feel like the end-all-be-all. We get it—seeing a school in the “Top 10” list is reassuring. But are those numbers telling the full story?
In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on college rankings. With insights from Former Assistant Director of Admissions at NYU, we dive into:
Why rankings can sometimes mislead students and families The factors behind the numbers—and which ones really matter What students should prioritize instead: academic fit, campus environment, and long-term career impactWe’ll help you and your student move b...
110. Is 'Doing It All' in Extracurriculars Necessary? Insights from a Northeastern University Admissions Reader
With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, many students feel pressured to "do it all" when it comes to extracurriculars. But is that really what colleges are looking for? In our latest podcast episode, we uncover the reality behind how admissions officers evaluate student activities.
You'll learn:
How admissions officers evaluate what students actually contribute to their activities—not just participation The value of demonstrating academic interest beyond the classroom through research, pre-college programs, or independent projects Why leadership isn’t just about holding a title, but about adding value and making an impactThis episode is a...
109. SAT vs. ACT: The Better Test for 2025 Admissions (It’s Not What You Think)
With the recent changes in standardized testing, many families are asking: SAT or ACT—what’s the best fit for your student? In this episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision. He discusses how to choose the right test based on your student’s strengths, the latest updates on the Digital ACT launching in April 2025, and offers strategies for students who may struggle with standardized testing. Jake also shares practical tips to help your teen prepare with confidence, showing that standardized testing doesn’t have to be stres...
108. College Interviews: One Mistake That Could Cost You Admission
Getting ready for college interviews? As competition increases, a strong interview can set you apart in the admissions process. In this episode, we speak with a Former Carnegie Mellon Admissions Director to provide expert insights on how students can confidently navigate their interviews and improve their chances of acceptance.
Key takeaways for parents & students:
The most common (and unexpected) interview questions What admissions officers really look for in a candidate Biggest mistakes to avoid—and how to make a lasting impressionPut their best foot forward. Listen now!
---
To set up a...
107. What Former Yale, Harvard Law School and Johns Hopkins Admissions Officers Really Think of These Common Applications
In this episode, former admissions officers from Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard Law share their honest feedback on real Common Apps from students who applied to Yale, Dartmouth, and Johns Hopkins. Discover what makes an application stand out—and what’s missing! Gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses they’ve observed, plus how domestic and international applications differ in the admissions process.You’ll get firsthand insider feedback on the strengths and weaknesses they've seen in these applications, plus hear how the admissions process differs for domestic vs. international applicants. Tune in for some eye-opening insights you won’t want to...
106. Duke Admissions Secrets You Need to Know
🎙️ Episode Overview
In this week's episode, we’re excited to have two Former Admissions Officers from Johns Hopkins and Yale join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a real student’s Common App profile. They break down the activities list and personal essay, sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how the two pieces come together to tell a compelling story.
Want to know how to make your student's application shine? Tune in to see what admissions officers really look for—and what can make or break your chances.
For those of you eager to...
105. Best college admissions advice revealed by Ivy League experts
🎙️ Episode Overview
We’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new episode of our podcast, packed with expert advice on the college admissions process that you won’t want to miss—especially if you have a high schooler in the middle of applying!
This week, we sit down with three former admissions officers from Harvard, the University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania to answer some of the most pressing, real-world college admissions questions straight from Reddit. These are the types of personal and thought-provoking questions that every student (and parent!) wants answers to, and we’re diving dee...
104. How to Choose the Best Liberal Arts College
Are you ready to uncover the unique benefits of liberal arts colleges and help your student find their perfect fit?
In this episode, Krista, a seasoned admissions expert, will guide you and your student through aligning school choices with both academic and personal goals, ensuring your student is set up for success.
Here's what you'll learn:
How to research liberal arts colleges to find your best-fit options The importance of aligning your academic and personal goals with your school choices Shifting your mindset from “Will I get in?” to “How can I shape myself as an...103. Maximize Your College Admissions With A Gap Year
Are you ready to break free from the traditional path and take your future into your own hands?
Today, we’re talking gap years and how they can completely reshape your college application (and your life).
The Admissions Advantage–Former Dartmouth admissions officer shares how a gap year can:
Demonstrate leadership, maturity, and initiative to college admissions teams Help students stand out in a competitive applicant poolWhat Makes a Gap Year Transformative–Jaein Seo, Director of Global Higher Ed Relationships at Baret Scholars, explains:
How students gain life-changing experiences by immersing in new cu...